Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday vowed to increase salaries in the budget despite economic crunch.

Addressing the workers at his residence in Lahore, the premier said that efforts will be made to reduce excessive spending and increase salaries in the budget despite the difficulties. PM Shehbaz said: "The workers are our real heroes."

"We will not leave any shortfall in the happiness of the workers and as servants of the country, we will serve the workers by collaborating with the provinces," he said.

He vowed to elevate the country to a dignified position under the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Stressing the need to end the menace of corruption, PM Shehbaz said: "The end of corruption and other issues is imminent, the currency of the time is honesty."

"The aim of creating the country was to establish an Islamic welfare state, and everyone has the right to earn their rightful place with hard work and honesty," he maintained.

The premier said, "The capitalists and labourers are like wheels of the same cart, if the labourer is not given his rightful right immediately, the country cannot progress, The labourer's hard work brings blessings to the capital.".

He said: "The country is facing severe hardships. The Saudi Crown Prince wants Pakistan to progress and prosper, and efforts are being made to bring back Pakistan's billions of rupees".

PM Shehbaz said : "The poor bear the brunt of expenses. A decrease in the price of gasoline and diesel is not an alternative to inflation. The common man is facing severe hardships due to inflation".